I'm working on a contemporary Action/Alt-Romance in which past relationships play a big role. Both the hero and heroine's exes appear as characters over the course of the novel.
I think who we dated in the past--and the relationship mistakes we hopefully learned from--say a lot about who we are and the type of person we want to be. I'm hoping to give some extra depth to my characters by giving them some uncomfortable moments with their past loves.
What are some of the best "conversations with an ex" moments you've read (or experienced in real life)? What elements do you think make scenes with an ex compelling? And are there any annoying tropes to stay away from? And as a reader, do you enjoy it when a character bumps into (or is confronted by) their ex?
PS: I won't be pitting the exes as rivals. In each instance there's a solid reason why the relationship didn't work out.
I think who we dated in the past--and the relationship mistakes we hopefully learned from--say a lot about who we are and the type of person we want to be. I'm hoping to give some extra depth to my characters by giving them some uncomfortable moments with their past loves.
What are some of the best "conversations with an ex" moments you've read (or experienced in real life)? What elements do you think make scenes with an ex compelling? And are there any annoying tropes to stay away from? And as a reader, do you enjoy it when a character bumps into (or is confronted by) their ex?
PS: I won't be pitting the exes as rivals. In each instance there's a solid reason why the relationship didn't work out.